Sierra buried her face in the pillow and let herself cry.
Chapter Twenty-One
“The stiletto is a feminine weapon that men just don't have.” – Christian Louboutin
“I’m going to kill him.”
Sierra watched her sister pace back and forth in the kitchen. Her body vibrated with fury as she shook her fists and muttered to imaginary voices in her head. Montgomery peeked out but didn’t like the stressful vibe, so he ditched them immediately.
Sierra sat on one of the stools at the granite counter and drank wine. After her break-down, she’d decided to call Aspen. Even though she hated bothering her so soon after the engagement party, Sierra knew her sister was the only one who could help.
“What is he trying to pull—some awful third act break-up? This is not okay. This is bigger than a usual black moment in a romance. This man literally stitched your heart back together, vowed his undying love, and told you the next morning he was going to destroy your store? Personally? The store that means everything to you?”
Sierra kept drinking and didn’t answer. She knew Aspen wasn’t looking for answers to her questions. It was her way of processing the mess.
“I swear, I’m putting him in my next novel and he’s going to have a tiny dick!”
She couldn’t help the laughter that burst out of her. God, she loved her crazy-ass sister. “Good. Make him ugly, too. With awful shoes.”
“The worst. When I get done writing his character, the whole town won’t have anything to do with him.”
Aspen paused and glanced over. They giggled, breaking the tension. With a sigh, Aspen took the stool opposite and poured more wine. “Okay, I’m calmer now. Tell me what the current situation is.”
Sierra shrugged. “I told him I need time. I cried all night, and today I called you. He’s reached out twice but I texted him not to bother until I want to talk.”
“Good. This is on your terms, not his.” She shook her head in wonderment. “What planet is he from where he believed this would all end up okay?”
Sierra snorted. “Not sure. He kept saying I’d lose Flirt anyway, so if he was the one in charge, it’d be—better? Does that sound bizarre to you?”
“Yes. How many relationships has this man been in?”
“None.”
Aspen blinked. “Zero? A man as hot as that? Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I am. He told me he’s never been in love and has no idea how to navigate a serious relationship. I guess my first lesson should have been communication instead of a thousand orgasms.”
Her sister rolled her eyes. “Who could blame you? You were hard up and the man is obviously a God in bed.”
Sierra groaned and rubbed her forehead. “What am I going to do, Aspen? I’ve grown this store and just started doubling profits. How do I start over? Will I need to close permanently? Get a real job in some cubicle?”
“Now, who’s dramatic? Listen, you will find another place. Maybe it will be smaller or a less perfect location but look at what Marco did with his souvenir shop. It’s about thinking outside the box. Yes, a beach shop is better with walk-in traffic but it’s not a deal-breaker. You’re just depressed. Your lioness spirit will kick in soon and you’ll find a way to move forward.”
She looked up and nodded. “Yeah. I guess. Kane kept saying he looked everywhere, like if he solved my problem of a new location, I wouldn’t care he’s the one closing the deal. How can I ever trust him again?”
Aspen nibbled at her lip. “He fucked up, but hear me out. What if he honestly didn’t think this was a deal-breaker? I mean, I’d rather plead for his stupidity than his manipulation. The man is obviously in love with you. Is there any way you can forgive him?”
“You’re thinking of the way Brick forgave you, right?”
Her sister sighed. “Yeah. I did something like Kane because I was so focused on my crap. Who I’ve always been. I forgot to realize how I’d changed and wanted something different. Kane may have the same stuff going on.”
“It’s a good point. For now, I booked a meeting with Benny under a fake name, saying it was about the sale. It’s the only way I can get a face-to-face.”
Aspen laughed. “You’re such a badass. What about the other tenants?”
“I called and told them both what was going on. Carlos said he’d probably retire because he was tired of selling toys, and Deanna said she could find another place for the café. Neither of them want to fight it now. They weren’t happy but took it pretty well. “
“So, there won’t be any protests like chaining yourself to the demolition site?”
